Stacking machine



5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Jig. MILLER STAGKING MACHINE Filed Oct. 8, 1925 April 28, .1925.

flwmran John E. Miller A ITOPNE v5 ll llll A gr 1 T w \AU 2 mn v an 3w E x v April 28,1925. 1,535,678

J. E. MILLER STACKING MACHINE Filed Oct. 8, 1923 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 BY (M ?& lw

A Z TOR/75% Apr-i128, 1925. 1,535,678

- J. E. MILLER SMOKING MACHINE Filed Oct. 8, 1925 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 l I lm/fnrgm 1 John E. M/ller April 28, 1925. 1,535,678

J. E. MILLER STACKING MACHINE Filed (301;. 8, 1925 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 /NVHT0R John E. Miller BY CM 2, W@-@ ATTOPNEYJ J. E. MILLER 1 STACKING MACHINE Filed Oct. 8, 1923 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Ta/1n E. Miller BY cm Q ATTORNEYS Patented Apr. 28, 1 925.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JOHN E. MILLER, OE MARSEILLES, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR TO CERTAIN-TEED PRODUCTS CORPORATION, OF ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, A CORPORATION OF MARYLAND.

STACKING MACHINE.

Application flled October 8, 1923. Serial No. 667,223

To (1/! ill/1.0m. it "1163/00726'6712.

Be known that I, JOHN 111. hIILLElt, a citizen of the United States of :Americz, a resident of Marseilles, in thecounty of La Salle, State of Illinois, have invented certain new and useful Iniiprovements in Stacking Machines, of which the following a fulh clear, and exact description, reterence beinghad to the accon'ipanying draw lugs forming a part of this specification.

"llhis inventionrelates generally to stack ing machines, and particularly to a stacking machine which is'intendcd for use in arranging shingles or like articles in stacks, each of which contains a predetermined number of said sliingles or other articles.

Briefly stated, my invention comprises an endless conveyor to which the shingles or" other articles are delivered individually. Arranged adjacent to the discharge end of said endless conveyor a mechanism provided with aplurality of receiving baskets. The baskets mentioned travel vertically with relation to tlieendless conveyor, said baskets moving downwardly after receiving their loads. The mechanism with which the baskets areassociated is so timed' and the baskets are so arranged thereon that each basket will receive 'apredeterm'ined number of shingles, which shingles will then becarried downwardly by said baskets and be deposited in stacks on another endless conyoyorto be conveyed thereby to the position of an operator, who will place a binding cord around the stacks of shingles or other articles. i t

With the foregoing and other objects in view the invention comprises the novel construction, combination and arrangement of parts hereinafter more specifically described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein is shown the )ret'erred embodiment of the invention. However, it is to be understood that the invention comprebends changes, variations and modifications which come within the scope otthe claims hereunto appended. a

big. I is a side elevation of my improved stacking machine. r Fig. II is a plan view ofthe stacking machine shown in Fig. I. 1

Fig. III is a vertical section through the mechanism which supports the shingle-rcceiving baskets and the n'iochanisi'n adjacent thereto.

Fig. IV is a fragmentary plan View illustratmg the straightening mechanism of my IIIIPIOVOLI stacking machine, an element of said mecl'ianism being shown in section.

Fig. I" is a fragmentary vertical section showing the mechanism tor controlling the discharge of certain ofthe stacks of shingles from the machine.

Fig. V1 is a section on line VI VI 0t Figx V.

rig. V II is a fragmentary view showing certain parts of the machine as they will appear when the row of baskets following the baskets being loaded is retarded.

Fig. VIII is a section on line, VIII VIII. of Fig. V. A Fig. IX a plan View showing my improved stacking machine as it will appear when. arranged to handle l-width shingles.

In the drawings, A designates, my improved stacking machine which includes a suitable supportingjtrame, said supporting frame con'iprising lower frame members II, upper frame members C, and end frame members I). i The frame members 13,0 and l) are bolted or otherwise secured together to produce a rigid frame upon which the mechanism of the machine is supported.

Located at the upper portion of the 'stack ing machine A is an endless conveyor comprising a plurality of endless belts 1, said belts being arranged to operate over pulleys 2 and pulleys 3. 'Ihepulleys 2 are mounted on a shaft l which is supportedin bearings secured to the upper :irame member (l. andthe pulleys 3 are fixed to a shaft .3 which maybe supported in any con venient manner-adjacent to the point where the shingles are delivered to the endless belts l. The pulleys 3 are pern'ianently tixed to the shaft 5 in such positions that the side edges of the adjacent belts 1 are in close proxin'iity to each other, but the pulleys 2 are slidably mounted onthe sha'tt I so that they n'iay be adjusted longitudinally ofsaid shaft to provide spaces be tween the end portions of the adjacent belts when these spaces are desired. To permit the adjustment of the pulleys as described, I provide said pulleys with set screws which secure said pulleys'to said shaft 4, which set screws maybe unscrewed when :it desired to move said pulleys onsaid shaft.

Secured to the oppositely disposed end frame i'ucu'lbers E is a pairot' lower bearings (3 and a pair of upper bearings 7, said bearings (l supporting a shaft 8 on which is mounted a pair of sprocket wheels 9, and said bearings T supporting a shaft 10 on which is mounted a pair or sprocket wheels 11. Arranged adjacent to one of the end frame members I) and operating over one of the sprocket wheels t, and one of the sprocket wheels 11 is a sprocket chain 12, and arranged adjacent to the other end frame member t) and operating over the other sprocket wheels 9 and ll is a similar sprocket chain 13. ll designates a plurality of angle bars which are carried by the sprocket chains 12 and 1; the opposite end portions of each of said angle bars being secured to the oppositely disposed sprocket chains. and said angle bars spanning the space between said sprocket cl'iains.

Fixed to each angle bar ll is a pair of hearings 17 which receive the circular end portions it) of one of the non-circular bars 1]". one of said non-circular bars being supported by each associated pair of bearings 15. and because of the circular end portions of said bars extending into circular openings in said bearings. said bars are capable of rotation. 18 designates receiving baskets which are secured to the non-circular bars 17. each of said bars being provided with a plurality of said receivingg' baskets. Each receiving basket comprises a pair of L- shaped bars 19 which are secured to the associated bar 17, and each bar 17 is prefer ably provided with four of the receiving baskets 18. Consequently there will be eight of the L-shaped bars 19 secured to each bar 17. To add rigidity to the basket structure a bar 20 extends from the. L-shaped bar adjacent to one end of each bar 17 to the opposite end of said bar 17. and each of said L-shaped bars of each group is secured to the associated bar 20. 21 designates amenr her which extends transversely of the machine at a point between the shafts 8 and 10, said member being supported by the end frame members I Secured to the transverse member 21 is aplurality of vertical guide members 22. said guide members each being provided with a hooked lower portion which partially surrounds the shaft 8 (Fig. Ill); The utility of the guide members will be subsequently pointed out.

Secured to each of the frame members i)- is a pair of angle bars '23. which are so arranged relative to each other that a guideway is provided. One of these guideways is located adjacent to the sprocket chain 12 and another of said guideways is located adjacent to the sprocket chain '13. Said sprocket chains 12 and 13 pass through said guideways. liy the use of the guideways described, it is apparent that when shingles are deposited in the baskets carried by the sprocket chains 12 and 13. said chains will not be permitted to move rearwardly under the weight of said shingles.

Arranged at a point above the end frame members D and supported by said frame members is an angle bar 24: from which is suspended pairs of guide members and (A there being one pair of guide members and 213 between the associated L-shaped bars of each basket 18. The guide members 25 each tern'iinate at a point adjacent to the. pulleys 2, and said guide members are each provided with an upwardly inclined portion 27. The guide members 26 are comparatively straight and extend downwardly some distance below the sprocket wheels 9. The purpose of the guide members 25 to guide the shingles into the baskets. and the purpose of the guide members 26 is to insure the discharge of said shingles from said baskets, and the manner in which these guide members perform their functions will be subsequently pointed out.

Arranged below the basket-carryingmechanism and below the endless belts 1 is a group of endless belts 28, said belts being adapted to operate over pulleys 29 and 30 and being arranged to travel in the direction indicated by the arrow in Fig. 111. Located adjacent to the pulley 30 and traveling in a direction which is approximately at a right angle to the direction of travel of the belts 28 is an endless belt 31 which is arranged to travel over suitable pulleys. The position and elevation of the belt 31 is such that stacks of shingles or other articles being carried by the belts 28 will be deposited on the belt 31 when said stacks of shingles pass over the pulley 30.

Later in the specification the exact operation of the machine. will be set forth in all of its details. but it would probably be well at the present point to know that shingles or other articles are deposited on the endless belts 1 and are carried by said belts toward the lnisket-earrying mechanism. The belts 1 travel rather rapidly, and when each article reaches a point adjacent to the pulley 2 said article is projected into one of the baskets 18. The baskets 18, when in position to receive their loads and after receiving said'loads. move slowly downwardly with respect to belts 1, and when the baskets in one row have received their loads the haskets of the next row will be in the properpositions to receive their loads. My improved stacking machine includes mechanism for controlling the movement of the row of baskets imn'iediately succeeding the baskets to which shingles are being delivered, so that said first mentioned baskets will not interfere with the delivery of shingles to said load-receiving baskets, and this mechanism will now be described.

32 designates a lever which is pivoted at the point designated by the reference charidti acter 33 to one of the end frame members l). The lever 32 is provided with a downwardly inclinedtorwaij'd portion 34; which is nrovided with. a pin 35 adjacent to its end. The lever 32 is provided with a counterbalai'ice weight 36 and also provided with an outwardly extending projection 37. Fixed to the shaft 10 at a point adjacent to the lever 32 is a cam 38 having a plurality of cam faces 39 which successively contact with the projection 3? on the lever. 32 (Fina 1). In the operation of the machine assume that shingles are being deposited on the endless belts 1 and that said shingles are being carried. toi'wardly by said belts and are bclast mentioned baskets. To preventthe intertcrence mentioned, the cam faces 39 are so shaped that when the cam is rotating in the direction indicated by tl arrow in Fig. I they will act upon the projection 37 to cause the rear-most end ot-the lever 32 to be lifted. This will cause the for *aid end of i said levecto move downwardly. whereby the pin 35 will be moved into the path ot travel o't one of the L shaped bars 19 Oil: the row of baskets following the row of baskets being loaded. Vhcn said L-shaped member is moved downwardly sutiicient distance it will contact with said pin and the continued downward movement of the baskets will cause the bar 17 to which said ba ts are attached to be rocked inits bearings. This will cause the L-shaped l'uircontaeting with the pin 35 and its associated L-shaped bars on said bar 17 to be swung in an are of a circle, as indicated in Fig. VII. lVith the baskets immediately following the baskets receiving their loads being retarded described; it is apparent that the shingles may be projected from the belts 1 into the baskets in theloading positions without interferemze from the other baskets. Each of the cam faces 39 includes a portion X which is eccentric to the circumferential face of the shaft 10. During the period that one o't' these portions X is in contact with the projection 37, and when the cam 38 rotating in the direction indicated by the arrow in Fig. .Lthe rearmost end portion oft the lever 32 will be moved upwardly due to the shape of said portion X. This, of course, will cause the pin 35 on the forward end of the lever 32 to be moved downwardly and rearwardly into the path of travel of one of the L-shaped bars oi? the row of baskets follow ing the row of baskets being loaded. Each cam taco 39 also includes a portion Y. I This portion is concentric with the circumfereutial face of the shaft 10, and during the period of the rotation of the cam that one of these portions is contacting with the pro ject-ion 37 the end oi. the lever which provided with the pin 35 will be stationary and will be retained in its innermost position. Each cam face terminates abruptly in a shoulder alt), so that when the portion Y has traveled a sufticient distance to permit the shoulder 40 to pass beyond the projection 37 thecounterbalance weight 36 will cause the rearmost portion of the lever 32 to. drop (flownwardly until the projection .37 strikes the hub of the cam 38. This will cause the pin 235 to be witlulrawn from beneath the L-shapcd bar with which it was in contact, and will permit the row of baskets of which said L-shapcd bar forms a part to drop into position to receive their loads. The cam 38 is so timed with relation to the baskets that the pin 35 starts to move into the path oi? travel oi one of the L-shaped bars of the row of baskets following the baskets receiving their loads as soon as the .tirst shingles are delivered to said last mentioned baskets, and said pin withdrawn from the path oil travel of said L-shaped bar immediately after the last shingles of the loads of said baskets have been delivered thereto, thus permitting the baskets which have been retarded to drop suddenly into place so that they may receive the next row of shingles projected from the belts 1.

b designates the sliinglcstraightening mmrhanism'ot my improved shingle stacker, which mechanism comprises a rectangular 'lrame 4 1. composed oi a plurality oi mem bers secured together and braced by the mcmlzcrs +12 to produce a rigid carriage. Located at each corner of the rectangular tti'ame ell is an outwardly extending member 13. The rectangular frat .e ll. is located between the pairo't upper trame members C, said ttranie members preferably being I- beams, and the outwardly extending membcis l irest upon the lower thingy of said I-bcams. whereby said rectangular frame is slid-ably supported. Secured to the frame members i immediately above the rectangular 'trame ell is a bar let, the position of said bar being fixed and the rectangular frame being adapted to move relative to said bar. Secured to the bar ll is a plurality of members do. there being one of saidmembers associated with each basket 15:, and each o't said members l)0l1'1 t f provided with a plate which may be secured to the member 45 in any convenient manner. .lrivoted to the lined bar l-l: is a plurality of bell crank le- \ers $6, each of said bell crank levers having an extension 4:? attached to it, and said bell crank levers being pivoted to said bar l-l at the points indicated by the reference character it) designated a plurality of rods each of which is pivotally secured to the rectangular frame all at the point indicated by the reference character 50. Associated with the rods is a plurality of members 51, each of which comprises a pair of bars spaced apart one from the other. The bars of each of the members 51 are provided with portions which incline toward each other, and each of said members is provided with apertures which are located in these portions and which are adapted to receive a pivot pin 53. The members 51 are pivotally attached to the bell crank levers 46. as shown in Fig. 1V. one of said bell crank levers and one of said members 51. being connected together by means of one of the pivot pins The members 51 are each provided with a fixed end wall 5% and a fixed intermediate wall 55, each of said walls Fri and being provided with an aperture through which the associated rod 49 passes. The rods 49 are each provided with a fixed collar 56 which loeated approximately midway between the fixed walls 54- and of the associated mem ber 51. interposed between the intermediate wall 55 of each member 51 and the collar of the associated rod is a block of resilient material 55 such as rubber. and interposed between the collar 56 and the end wall is a coil spring 57.

designates the mechanism for reciprocating the rectangular frame it relative to the frame members 0 and comprises an cecentric disk 59 mounted on a shaft (30 which is supported in suitable bearings (not shown). Associated with the eccentric disk 59 in the usual manner is an eccentric strap til. which strap is provided with an eccentric rod 62, the end of said rod opposite to the end connected to the eccentric strap being pivotally attached at the point indicated by the reference character 53 to the rectangular frame ll. Secured to the rectangular frame 41 in fixed positions is a plurality of straightening members 6- said members 6% each having an upwardly extending portion which intended for a purpose hereinafter set forth.

In the operation of my improved stacker the loads of a transvene row of baskets are deposited on endless belts 28 simultaneously. However, it is not desirable in the use of the machine illustrated in the drawings to deliver four stacks of shingles to the endless belt 31 at the same time. This is due to the fact that two of the stacks of shingles delivered to the belt 31 comprise a complete bundle of shingles as they are marketed. It therefore, desirable to deli er two stacks of shingles to the belt 31 at a time, so that an operator may tie the various pairs of stacks together. and to permit this I provide my i'naehine with mechanism which will retard the movement of two stacks of every group of four stacks of shingles, so that only two stacks of shingles will be delivered at a time to the endless belt St. The mechanism referred to above will now be described.

Extending upwardly from certain of the lower frame members 1:) is a pair of supporting members (36, which members are separated from each other a distance somewhat greater than the width of the group of endless belts 28. Arranged between the pair of supporting members (36 is a bar (37. said bar being non-circular in cross section and being provided with circular end portions 68 which extend into circular apertures in said supporting members (36 (Fig. l). Secured to and extending upwardly from the square portion of the bar t3? is a plurality of stops 69. The steps 69 are arranged in pairs, there being two pairs of stops and said pairs of stops being located adjacent to two of the endless belts 28. The steps 69 are so arranged that if they were held rigid any articles being carried by the belts with which said stops are associated, and which articles extend over the side edges of said belts a sufficient distance. would strike said stops and would be arrested thereby, the belts 28 being peri'nitted to slide beneath said arrested articles. Secured t0 the bar 67 and extending upwardly therefrom is an ear 70 to which is attached an end of a bar 71, the opposite end of said bar being supported by a coil. spring 72 which is secured to said bar and to some stationary part of the machine. Secured to an end frame member adjacent to the bar Tl is a plate 73, said plate being provided with an elongated slot 7% through which the bar 71 extends. The free end of the bar 71 is held in contact with the upper wall of the elongated slot 7- by the spring 72, and said bar is provided with a notch 75 to produce a shoulder 76. lVhen the shoulder 76 is in contact with the rear face of the plate 73. as shown in Fig. V. the bar 71 is prevented from moving forwardly. Consequently any article or stack of articles which is being carried by the belts'with which the stops are associated and which come into contact with said stops would be arrested thereby. Located 011 one of the sprocket wheels 9 is a plurality of pins 77. These pins 77 are so located with respect to the free end of the bar 71 that said pins will successively depress said free end of said bar as said sprocket wheel 9 rotates. T8 designates a coil spring, one end of which is secured to the bar 71 and the other end of which is secured to a stationary part of the machine. The spring 78 is intended to return the bar 71 and the mechanism associated therewith to their normal positions after said parts have been actuated in the manner which will be hereinafter set forth.

The driving mechanism of my improved stacking machine comprises a drive shaft 80 which is mounted in suitable bearings supported by the frame of the machine. The drive shaft is provided with a comparativelylarge gear wheel 81 which meshes with a similar gear wheel 82 mounted on a shaft 83. Mounted on the shaft 83 is a sprocket wheel 84, and mountedon the shaft a smaller sprocket wheel 86. A sprocket chain 87 operates over the sprocket wheels 84 and 86, as shown in Fig. I. whereby said shaft will be rotated. Mounted on the shaft 85 is a sprocket wheel and mounted on the shaft 4. is asprocket wheel 8!). The sprocket wheel 89 is slightly smaller in diameter than the sprocket wheel and a sprocket chain operates over said sprocket wheels 88 and 89. From the foregoing it is apparent that motion is transmitted from the drive shaft 80 through the gear wheels 81 and 82 to the shaft 8?) and through the sprocket wheels 84. 86 and sprocket chain 87 to the shaft 85. It is likewise plain that the motion ofthe shaft 85 will be t-ransn'iitted to the shaft 4 through the sprocket wheels 88 and .89 and the s irocket chain 90 whereby the endless belts 1 will be driven.

Mounted on the shaft 83 at the end thereof opposite from the end which. supports the gear wheel is a bevel gear 91 which bevel gear meshes with a bevel gear 92 mounted on the shaft The shaft )3 is also provided with a worm 94 which meshes with a worn r wheel 95 mounted on the shaft 8.

Mounted on the shaftll -l intermediate of 1 96 and S)? to the shaft DSLwherebv the bel the basket-carrying 31 is driven. .Motion is also transn'iitted from the shaft 03 through the worm 94 and worm wheel 95 to the shaft 8. thus causing be open The means for rotatina the shaft (30 at e d toactuate the mechanism for reciprocating The belts are being driven in the direction indicated by the arrow in Fig. I. The basketcarrying mechanism is being actuated very slowly in the direction indicated by the arrow in Fig.1, and as each transverse row of shingles reaches the point where the belts on which it is being carried pass over the associated pulleys 2, said shingles will be projected into the baskets of the transverse row of lmsltets which is moving slowly dmvnwardly at points in'nnediately adjacent said pulleys 2. In the operation of the basket-carrying mechanism of my iniproved stacking machine it will be noted by referring to Fig. III of the draw ings that the bar 20 of each transverse row of baskets contacts with the vertical mem-- bers when said baskets are moving upwardly at the rear of the basket-carrying mechanism. As each row of baskets moves aroundthe curve ll the heavier portions of the L-shaped bars 19 swing over dead center and the ends of said L-shaped bars adjacent to the bar .20 are brought into contact with the angle bar following the angle bar to which said row of baskets is attached. The upper ends of the L-shaped bars of each row of baskets contact with the next succeeding angle bar a l throughoutits downward movement at the front of thebasket-carryingmechanism, and said L-shaped bars of each rowof baskets also contact with the angle bar H to which they are attached,- whercby said baskets are held in theirproper positions to receive their loads and to carry said loads. hen the rows of baskets pass around the lower curve L, the weight of the L-shaped bars will cause said bars to swing in an arc of a circle wherebvthe bars 20 will'again contact with the members 22 and slide therealone during the upward n'iovement ofythe baskets. As already stated. the baskets at the forward portion of the basket-carrying mechanism are moving slowly downwardly, and the shingles will be projected into the row of baskets which is in the proper position to reccive said shingles, said shingles being guided into the baskets by the in clined portions 27 of the guide members As the shingles fall into the baskets as above described, said shingles will be pressed rcarwardly against the :ruide memberslQT by then'ien'ibei's 64 on the rectangular frame 41 of the straightening mechanism S, said rectangular frame being moved back and forth toward and away from the baskets. and said members 64 pressing said shingles rearwardlv as they fall into the baskets. lhereetaiigular frame 41 is so timed that it will move toward the baskets at approximatelv the same time a row of shingles falls into said baskets, at which time said shingles. as stated. are pressed. rearwardly against the gruidcmembers 26. Upon each increment of the rectangular frame ll (ill toward the baskets the bell crank levers it; will be swung about their pivots 48 to the positions shown by dotted lines in Fig. IV. This will cause the outer end of the bars l7 carried by said bell crank lovers to contact with the sides edges of the shingles, and as said bell crank levers are moved to the positions shown in dotted lines in Fig. IV. said shingles will be pressed against the plates l5 carried by the fixed members 45. From the foregoing it is plain that each shingle falls into one of the baskets it willv be pressed rearwardly against the guide members 2G by the straightening member (34. and said shingle will also be moved in a transverse direction against the plate 4:5 by the extension 47 of one of the bell crank levers, whereby each group of shingles in each basket will bev arranged in an even stack.

It has already been explained how when one row of baskets are receiving their loads the next succeeding row of baskets will be retarded by the pin 35, so that it will not interfere with the delivery of shingles to the lirst mentioned row of baskets. As soon as the row of baskets receiving their loads have received the proper number of shingles the pin will be withdrawn from its position in the path of travel of the retarded baskets in the manner set forth, and said baskets will drop into positions to receive their loads. The stacks of shingles are carried downwardly by the baskets and are deposited on the belts 28, said belts being in such positions relative to the baskets that the shingles are transferred from the baskets to the belts and the L-shaped bars comprising each basket passing on either side of the belt to which the load of shingles which was 'arried by said basket has been transferred.

After the stacks of shingles have been deposited on the belts 28 by the baskets. said shingles are carried toward the belt 31 by said belts The stacks of shingles on the belts 2; with which the stops (59 are associated will travel forwardly until said stacks of shingles come into contact with said stops, when their movement will be arrested. The stacks of shingles on the other belts 28. however, will be carried tor- \vardly and deposited on the belt 31.. which belt will carry said stacks to the position of an operator who will tie said stacks of shingles in a single bundle. During the time that the unobstructed stacks of shingles are n-ioving to the position of the operator, as described, the sprocket wheel 9 which is provided with pins 77 is rotated and eventually one of said pins will contact with the end pin-tion ol the rod 71 and depress said end portion of said rod. This will free the shoulder To from the plate 73 and the flriction between the moving belts and the stacks ol s iliingles will cause said stacks ol shingles to pre s'thc stops (i-l torwardly and downwardly, thereby permitting said stacks of shingles to pass over said stops and be deposited on the belt 31, by which belt they, too, will be taken to the position of the operator to be tied in a single bundle. After the last mentioned stacks of shingles have rpassed beyond the stops the 001i spring it will draw the rod 71. rearwardly, thus permitting the shoulder 76 and the plate 73 to be again interlocked and the stops to assume their upright positions. By the use of the mechanism just described the work is timed so that it comes to the operator at unitorm intervals, and instead of receiving a comparatively large amount of work at a time with a n'otrac'ted interval between the deliveries of work, said work is delivered in smaller amounts and at closer intervals.

The machine illustrated in the drawing is intended for use in handling individual size shingles, but it is apparent that by making simple adjustments said machine may be capable of handling the so-called 4:- width size shingles. lVhen the -1l:\\l(ll1ll size shingles are to be handled by my improved stacking machine the guide ll'lOll'l'lJQlS 26 are replaced by the guide lllCll'lbOI'S 26 (Fig. 1X), which gi'iide members are of a slightly dillerent size and shape than the guide members 26. Also, all of the fixed members except the one located at the right side of the machine, looking at said machine trom the front, are ren'ioved as shown in Fig. IX. All of the straightening devices comprising the bell crank levers l6, men-ivbers 51 and rods t?) are ren-im'ed, and one of said straightening members which is designated by the relerence character 1()(-) is applied as illustrated in said figure, there being an auxiliary bearing 101 provided lot this purpose. Finally the coil springs T12 and T8 are released that the bar T1 and the stops (it) may swing dtrwnwardly out of the way. lVith the machine arranged as shown in Fig. IX, its operation is the same as when said machine is arranged to handle individual size shingles.

I claim: 7

l. A stacking machine comprising a conveyor to which the'articles to be stacked are delivered indivnlually, continuously oper-' ceptacles in stacks.

.2. A Ftacl g machine con-iprising a conveyor to which the articles to be stalked are (ltEl'lVtll-Ptl i-ndivit-lually, continuously operated :n-ieans arranged adjacent to the discharge end oil said conveyor, said continutil ously operated means coni firising oppositely disposed endless members, rotatable members over which said endless members operate, and receptacles pivoted to said oppoi. A, stacking machine comprising a con veyor to which the articles to be stacked are delivered individually, continuously o 'ierated n'ieans arranged adjacent to the discharge end of said conveyor, said con.- tinuously operated means con'iprising oppo sitely disposed pairs of sprocket wheels, sprocket chains operating over said. oppositely disposed pairs of sprocket wheels, and receptacles pivoted to said oppositely disposed pairs of sprocket chains, said receptacles being each adapted to receive a pre determined number of the articles from said conveyor, and means adapted to receive said articles from said pivoted receptacles in stacks r. stacking machine coiul'n'ising acouvcyor to which the articles to be stacked are delivered individually, contimunisly operated means arranged adjacent to the discharge end of said conveyors, said continuously operated means con'iprising oppositely disposed pairs of sprocket wheels, sprocket chains ()I'Wl'atlllg' over said oppositely disposed pairs of sprocket wheels, connecting members-the opposite ends oi which are secured. to said oppositely disposed sprocket chains bars rotatably supported by said connecting members, and receptacles secured to said bars, said receptacles being each adapted to rcccive a prcdc'teri'uined number ot articles from said conveyor, and means adapted to receive said articles trom said receptacles in stacks.

5. stacking machine comprising a conveyor to which the articles to be stacked are delivered individually, continuously operated means adjacent to the (liscluu'ge end of said coi'iveyor, pivoted IQCQPtZlUleS associated with said contiiuuiusly operated means to each of which a predeteri'i'iined number of said articles are delivered by said conveyor, and traveling means adapted to receive said articles from said receptacles in stacks.

(3. it stat rking machine comprising a plurality ot endless belts to which the articles to lie stacked are delivered individually, continuously operated means arranged adjacent to the discharge ends of said endless belts. said means being arranged to travel in a direction at an angle to the direction of travel otsaid endless belts, receptacles pivotally supported by said continuously operated means to cachhol which a predetermined immlieiko'l' said articles are delivered by said endless belts, and a second group ot endless belts arranged adjacent to the discharge end of said continuously operated said last n'ientioned belts being adapted to receive the articles from said receptacles in stacks.

7. A stacking machine COlIlPl'lSli'ig a plurality of endless belts to which the articles to be stacked are delivered individually, continuously operated means arranged adjacent to the discharge ends oif'said. endless belts, receptacles pivoted to said continuously 0perated. means, said receptacles being each arranged to receive a predetern'iined number of articles from said endless belts and to travel downwardly therefrom, and a second group of endless belts at the discharge end of said continuously operated means, said last mentioned belts being adapted to receive the articles from said receptacles in stacks.

S. A stacking niachinc coniprising a plurality oi endless belts to which the articles to be stacked are delivered individually, continuously operated means arranged adjacent to the discharge ends of said endless belts. said continuously operated means comprising oppositely disposed pairs of sproclc ct wheels, sprocket chains operating over said oppositely disposed pairs of sprocket wheels, connecting men'ibers the opposite ends of which are secured to said oppositely disposed sprocket chains, bars rotatably sup ported by said connectii'ig members, receptacles sccuicd to said bars, said receptacles each being adapted. to receive a predetermined numbcr of articles from said endless belts and carry same downwardly, and a second group of endless belts at the discharge end oi said continuously operated means, said last mentioned belts being adapted to receive th articles from said rcccptacles in stacks.

S). A'stacking machine comprising a conveyor to which the articles to be stacked are delivered individually, continuously operated means arranged adjacent to the discliarge end of said conveyor, receptacles mounted on. said continuously operated means, said receptacles being each adapted to receive a predetermined number of articles when it reaches a point adjacent to the discharge end oi said conveyor, means whereby the receptacle following the receptacle receiving its load is retarded, and means adapted to receive the articles ttronii said receptacles in stacks.

10. A. stackingmachine comprising a conveyor to which the articles to be stacked are delivered individually, continuously operated means arranged adjacent to the dis charge cml o't said conveyor, receptacles pivoted to saidcontinuously operated means, said. receptacles being each adapted to re ceive a )redetermincd number of articles when they reach a point adjacent to the discharge end of? said conveyor. means whereby the receptacle following the receptacle receiving; its load is swung about its pivot to retard said receptacle. said means comprising; a men'iber movable into and out of the path ot' travel of a portion of said first men tioned receptacle. and means adapted to receive the articles from said receptacles in stacks.

11. A stacking machine comprising.- a conveyor to which the articles to be stacked are delivered in-dividmilly. continuously operated means arranged adjacent to the discharge end of said con veyor, receptacles pivoted to said continuously operated. means, said receptacles being each adapted to receive a predetermined number oli articles when they reach a point adjacent to the discharge end of said conveym'. means whereby the receptacle tollowinglthe receptacle receiving its load is swung about its pivot to retard said receptacle. said means comprising a lever, a projection on said lever movable into and out ot the path of travel of a portion of said first mentioned receptacle. means for moving said projection into the path oli travel of said receptacle. and means associated with said lever for withdrawing said projection from the path. ot' travel of said receptacle. and means adapted to receive the articles :t'rom the receptacles in stacks.

12,. A stacking" machine comprising a conveyor to which the articles to be stacked are deliver d individually. contiiniously oper-at ed means arranged adjacent to the discharge end of said conveyor. receptacles pivoted to said continuously operated means said receptacles being each adapted to receive a predetermined number oi articles when they reach a point adjacent to the discharge end oi said conveyor. means whereby the recep- .tacle following the receptacle receiving its load is swung about its pivot to retard said receptacle. said means comprising a leve. a projection on said lever movable into and out of the path of travel of a portion of said first mentioned receptacle. a cal-n tor moving said projection into the path of travel of said receptacle, and a ccumterbalance weight associated with said lever "for withdrawing said projection from the path oi travel ot said receptacle. and means adapted to receive the articles from the receptacles in stacks.

13. A stat-king machine comprising a plurality of endless belts arranged in a transverse row to which belts the articles to be stacked are delivered individinillv. continuously operated means arranged adjacent to the discharge ends o't said endless belts. transverse rows o'l receptacles pivoted to said continuously opera-ted n'ieaiis. said rect-xptacles being arch adapted :to receive :1

predetermined number of articles when the row of receptacles or which it is a part reaches a point adjacent to the discharge ends of said endless belts, means whereby the row of receptacles following the row of receptaclesin the load-receiving position may be swung about its pivot to retard said first mentioned row of receptacles, said means comprising a lever, a projection on said lever movable into and out of the path of t *a-vel ot a portion of said row of receptacles, a cam for moving said projection into the path of travel of said row of receptacles, and a counterbalance weight associated with said lever for withdrawing said projection from the path of travel of said row of receptacles, and means adapted to receive the articles from the receptacles in stacks.

ll. A stacking machine comprising a pluality of endless belts arranged in a transverse row to which belts the articles to be stacked are delivered individually, continuously operated means arranged adjacent to the discharge ends of said endless belts, transverse rows of receptacles pivoted to said continuously operated means, said rccep'tacles being each adapted to receive a predetermined number of articles when the row of receptacles of which it is a part reaches a point adjacent to the discharge ends of said endless belts. means whereby the row of receptacles tollowing the row of receptacles in the load-re-ceivincposition may be swung about its pivot to retard said first mentioned row of receptacles, said means comprising a lever, a projection on said lever movable into and out of the path of travel of a portion of said row of receptacles. a cam for moving said projection into the path of travel of said row of receptacles and a counterbalance weight associated with said lever for withdrawing said projection. from the path of travel olsaid row of receptacles and means conr n'ising a plurality oi endless belts arranged in a transverse row adapted to receive the articles from the receptacles in stacks.

15. A. stacking machine comprising a plurality of endless belts arranged in a transverse row to which belts the articles to be stacked are delivered individually. continuously operated means arrimgzjed adjacent to the discharge ends of said endless belts, said continuously operated means comprising oppositely disposed pairs ot sprocket wheels. sprocket chains operating over said oppositely disposed pairs oi sprocket wheels. connecting members the opposite ends of which are secured to said oppositely disposed sprocket chains. bars rotatably supported by said connecting members. receptacles secured to said bars in transverse rows. each of said receptacles being adaptcd to receive a predetermined number of articles from said endless belts when the row oil? receptacles of which said receptacle is a part reaches a point adjacent to the dis charge end 01". said endless bolts, 1H0? whereby the row of receptacles following the row of receptacles in the load-receiving position may be swing about its pivot to retard said row of receptacles, said means con'i nrising a lever, a projection on said lever movable into and out oil the path of travel of a portion of said row cit receptacles, a cam for moving said projection into the path oi travel of said rovv ot receptacles and a counterhalalme Weight associated with said lever tor Withdrawing said projection from the path oi t 'avel ot said row of receptacles, and a iilurality elf endless belts arranged in a transverse row at the discharge end at said contimiously opera LQt means and adapted to receive the articles :fron'i said receptacles in stacirs.

16. A stacking machine conuniisin g a conve r to which the articles to he stael-Ied are delivered. individually, and in trrmsvcrse rows, continuously operated means arranged adjacent to the discharge end of said conveyor, receptacles supported by said continuously operated means, said receptacles being; arranged in transverse rows on said continuously operated means and being adapted to receive articles from said conveyor, a continuously operated conveyor arranged at the discharge end of said continuously operated means and adapted to receive articles from said receptacles in stacks arranged in transverse rows, and means whereby the movement of some of said stacks of each row or": stacks is temporarily halted.

17. A stacking machine comprising a pluraiity of endless belts arranged in a transverse row to which belts the articles to be stacked. are delivered individually and in transverse rows, continuously operated ends oi said endless belts, receptacles supported by said continuously operated means, said receptacles being arranged in transverse rows on said continuously operated means and being adapted receive articles :1 Jun said endless belts, a plurality of continuously operated endless belts arranged at the discharge end oi said continuously operated means and adapted to receive articles from said receptacles in stacks arranged in trarsrorso rows, and means contiprising stops arranged adjacent to some of said last mentioned endless belts whereby the movement of some of said stacks of each row of stacks is temporarily halted.

19. A stacking machine comprising a plurality oit' endless belts arranged in a transverse roW to which belts the articles to be "steel-zed are delivered individually and in means arranged adjacent to the discharge ends of. said endless belts, receptacles sup ported by said continuously operated means, said receptacles being arranged in transverse rows on said continuously operated means and being adapted to receive articles from said endless belts, a ilurality ot (mntinuously operated endless belts arranged at the discharge end ot said contiuuoruily operated. means and ada jitcd to receive articles from said rocejjitacles in slacks arranged in transverse rows, and means whereby the prominent oi some at said stv rlcs at each row at stacks is tempo-- rarily halted.

18. A stacking, machine comprising a plurality of endless belts arranged in a trans verse row to which belts the articles to be stacked are delivered individually and in transverse rows, continuously operated means arranged adjacent to the discharge transverse rows, continuously operated n'ieans arranged adjacent to the discharge ends oit' said endless belts receptacles supported by said continuously operated means, ii id receptacles being arranged in trans verse rows on. said continuously operated means and being adapted to receive articles from said endless belts, a plurality oi? contiummsly operated endless belts arranged at the discharge end of said continuously operated means and adapted to receive articles troni said receptacles in stacks arranged in transverse rows, means compri, inp; stops arranged adjacent to some of said last mentioned belts whereby the movement of some 01: said stacks of each row of stacks is temporarily halted, and means cooperating with said continuously operated means whereby said stops are removed to permit said halted. stacks to again move.

20. A stacking machine comprising a plurality of endless belts arranged in a transverse row to Which belts the articles to be stacked are delivered individually, con tinuously operated means arranged adjacent to the discl'iarge ends of said endless belts, said continuously operated means cem nsisinpoppositely disposed pairs of sprocket Wheels, sprocket chains operating; over said oppositely disposed pairs of sprocket Wheels, connecting members the opposite ends of which are secured to said oppositely disposed sprocket chains, bars rotatably supported by said connecting members, receptacles secured to said bars in transverse rows, each of said. receptacles being}; adapted to receive a predetermined. number oit articles from said endless belts when the row at receptacles of which said receptacle is a part reaches a point adjacent to the discharge end of said endless belts, means whereby the row of receptacles following the row of receptacles in the load-receiving position may be swung about its pivot to retard said row of receptacles, said means comprising a lever, a projection.

Eli

on said lever movable into and out of the path of travel of a portion of said row of receptacles, a cam for moving said projection into the path of travel of said row of receptacles and a counterbalance weight associated with said lever tor withdrawing said projection from the path of travel of said row of receptacles, a plurality of end less belts arranged in a transverse row at the discharge end of said continuously operated means and adapted to receive the articles from said receptacles in stacks, ar ranged in transverse rows, means comprising: stops arranged adjacent to some of said last mentioned belts whereby the movement of some of said stacks of each row of stacks is temporarily halted, and means cooperating with said continuously operated means whereby said stops are removed to permit said halted stacks to again move.

21. A stacking machine comprising a conveyor to which the articles to be stacked are delivered individually, continuously operated means arranged adjacent to the discharge end of said conveyor, aid continuously operated means comprisinp oppositely disposed pairs of sprocket wheels sprocket chains operating ovr said oppositely disposed pairs of sprocket wheels, connecting members the opposite ends of which are secured to said oppositely disposed sprocket chains bars rotatably sup ported by said connecting members, receptacles secured to said bars, said connecting; members being arranged to control the pivotal movement of said receptacles when said receptacles are traveling in one direction, means whereby the pivotal movement of said receptacles is controlled when said receptacles are traveling; in the other direction, and means adapted to receive said articles from said receptacles in stacks.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing I hereunto afiix my signature.

JOHN E. MILLER. 

